Xequence is the new kid on the block for iOS MIDI sequencing

There have been MIDI sequencers on iOS for a long time now, and in that category there have been some truly amazing and versatile apps. Apps like Genome MIDI Sequencer, Phaedra, and more recently STEPS (from the makers of Reactable). So whilst it isn’t a terribly crowded market it is one with some very capable competitors. Into that mix comes Xequence. Described as “an advanced linear MIDI Sequencer and Keyboard / Controller for iPhone and iPad.”

The app itself boasts some fairly advanced features and functionality, but to describe it I’ll use the app’s own description. Here it is:

HIGHLIGHTS:

– Efficient User Interface for an amazing editing workflow on a mobile device
– Scale-Aware Keyboards and Pianoroll Editor: All modules and functions observe the current instrument’s scale
– 16 scales included
– Extremely tight, best-in-class MIDI Out timing
– 100% accurate song looping, no dropouts/jitter at loop points
– Robust controller (CC) handling with backtracing (inside parts)
– Supports any time signature
– MIDI In and Thru with full re-channelization and re-routing to currently selected instrument
– MIDI Sync Master (Clock / Continue / Stop / SPP) – other DAWs can run in accurate sync with Xequence, e.g. to use audio tracks
– Works perfectly with e.g. AUM or Gadget as hosts / sound generators, or with Beatmaker 2 for synced audio tracks

– Fully scale-aware single or dual keyboards
– Base key and last played notes highlighted for easier orientation
– Three modes: Scroll, Glide, Lock
– Three available key widths
– Up to three CCs (controllers) can be shown as touch bands next to the keyboard
– All three CCs can be controlled either via touch or device rotation (up to three axes simultaneously), with pickup
– Velocity emulation option (via vertical position on key)

– No tempo or time signature tracks
– If you want to use MIDI hardware, you might need an app like MidiBridge

FIRST RELEASE! Please report bugs via our site!

Now, whilst that’s not a bad list at all I’m somewhat cautious of an app that firstly explains it’s own issues and what’s coming next. On the one hand it’s nice to know that this is an honest developer who’s telling it how it is. On the other I think it could’ve been better to actually add in AB3 for the first release rather than waiting for a 1.1. Not being able to connect to MIDI hardware is a bit of a problem too, so for now I guess this is somewhat restricted. As for the “no file import or export”, well that’s a bit of a deal breaker for me.

For now I’d say that this is one to watch to see what happens next and if some of these limitations are lifted. When they are I’ll be much happier to take a look.

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